There’s A Real-Life Rapunzel, & She’s Fascinating

Do you ever get sick of your flowing locks, or dream about cutting it all off in exchange for a kicky bob? Well, the next time you're lamenting long tresses, simply think about Asha Mandela, the proud owner of the world's longest dreadlocks. Her coif measures in at a whopping 55 feet, and weighs almost 39 pounds. And, surprisingly, she has no plans of cutting it — ever.

It turns out that while her tresses require more maintenance than the average woman's, they actually provide her with more joy than anything else. "My hair has become part of me," Mandela told The Mirror. "It is my life. I will never cut it." She made the decision to grow out her hair over 25 years ago, when she started having visions and spiritual callings to make a change. The simple fact that she was able to grow over 50 feet of hair is truly remarkable, especially considering she has battled chemotherapy and multiple heart attacks and strokes.

While she certainly receives a lot of attention for her dreads, Mandela says they also come in handy during more, ahem, private times. "My hair has never caused a problem with intimacy. I think it adds a little spice on top," she said. Now, there's an upside we definitely weren't expecting. Read the full interview for more on the trials and tribulations of having world-record-holding hair, and to learn about her tress maintenance. We'll give you a hint: It's no piece of cake. (International Business Times)